Articulated frame for mobile ground-traveling instrumentality

ABSTRACT

A mobile irrigator having an elongated articulated frame adapted to travel over the ground in a direction substantially normal to its longitudinal axis. Joints between different parts in the frame enable the latter to undulate while traveling over uneven terrain, while resisting horizontal bowing along its axis.

United States Patent Von Linsowe 1 1 Oct. 31, 1972 s4] ARTICULATED FRAME FOR MOBILE 3,379,378 4/1968 Kern ..l37/344X GROUND-TRAVELING 2,628,863 2/1953 Maggart ..239/2l2X LITY R27,059 2/1971 Wreck ..239/2l2 1,346,843 7/1920 Ramen ..239/213 1 lnvemofi 2,652,282 9/1953 Willetts ..137/344 Cahf- 2,843,424 7/1958 Bruce ..239/2121( 73 as: John m Portland, ore 2,896,858 7/1959 Price ..239/212 1 pm interest 8 3,448,927 6/1969 Blair ..239/212x 3,512,548 5/1970 Miller ..239/2l3 X 1 Flledr Jun 22,1970 3,566,911 3/1971 Neier.........................137/344 21 A l.N.:48192 1 pp 0 Primary Examiner-Samuel Scott Attomey-Kolisch & Hartwell [52] U.S.Cl ..137/344, 239/212 [51] Int. Cl 57 ABSTRACT [58] gg 5 5 A mobile irrigator having an elongated articulated frame adapted to travel over the ground in a direction substantially normal to its longitudinal axis. Joints [56] New CM between difi'erent parts in the frame enable the latter UNlTED STATES TENT to undulate while traveling over uneven terrain, while resisting horizontal bowing along its axis. 2,742,319 4/1956 Tobm ..l37/344 2,896,859 7/1959 Price ..l37/344 X 7 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures 36 .1 28 36 a2 9 g 36- Y 50 3th 36 36 Li 1 w b 38- 50 3a 46 x 389 38 .44

- 341 1 3 9 4 5o 42 as! 38 g PATENTEDUCT a 1 m2 SHEETIUF3 Carl V.von Linsowe INVENTOR MQWQJ MM P'A'TE'N'TEDnmr nan SHEET 2 0F 3 Co r1 VVon Linsowe BY INVENTOR HM MM PATENTEDncr 31 m2 MI30F3 Carl VvonLinsowe BY INVEN TOR KM H 1 fifiy ARTICULATED FRAME FOR MOBILE GROUND- TRAVELING INSTRUMENTAL! This invention pertains to an articulated frame for a mobile ground-traveling instrumentality. In particular, it pertains to such a frame which may have substantial length, and which includes joints that enable it, relatively freely, to undulate while traveling over uneven terrain and to resist horizontal bowing along its longitudinal axis. For the purpose of illustration herein, a preferred embodiment of the invention is described in conjunction with a mobile irrigator wherein it has been found to have particular utility.

In modern agricultural practices, the use of automated equipment has become an increasingly important factor. A general object of the present invention is to provide a novel articulated frame for a mobile ground-traveling instrumentality, such as an irrigator.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a frame which may readily be constructed to have a substantial length, whereby in a single pass over a field it can cover a relatively large area.

In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a frame of the type generally indicated that includes joints between different frame parts which enable the frame to undulate readily as it travels over uneven terrain, but which resist horizontal bowing of the frame along its longitudinal axis.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the proposed frame contemplates one or more substantially rectangular sections, each made up of a pair of elongated longitudinal members and a pair of elongated transverse members disposed in a substantially common plane. With the frame in operative position over the ground, the members making up a frame section, generally speaking, occupy a plane approximately paralleling the plane of the underlying ground. Adjacent longitudinal and transverse members are positioned at substantially right angles to one another. Adjacent ends of such members are interconnected through means which accommodates relative movement between the members in planes disposed at angles to the substantially common plane mentioned, while resisting relative movement between the members in the common pane.

In a frame including multiple sections constructed as just outlined, repetitive structure is employed along the length of the frame, with adjacent rectangular frame sections sharing a common transverse member.

With such construction, a frame may be constructed which has substantial overall length, and which will perform entirely satisfactorily while transporting apparatus, such as a mobile irrigation system, over the ground. The relative movement between frame parts afforded by the means interconnecting adjacent ends of longitudinal and transverse members, assures proper relative movement between parts in the frame (without horizontal bending of the frame along its longitudinal axis), to take care of unevenness in the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects and advantages attained by the invention will become more fully apparent as the description which follows is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified front elevation illustrating generally a mobile irrigator employing an elongated articulated frame constructed according to the invention;

different modifications of an articulated frame as contemplated herein;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detailed top plan view of the region in FIG. 2 partially enclosed by the curved line 3- 3- FIG. 4 is a view with portions broken away taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detailed top plan view of the region in FIG. 5 partially enclosed by the curved line 6- FIG. 7 is a view taken along the line 7-7 in FIG. 6; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation illustrating a modified form of deformable unit constructed according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a view taken along the line 10-10 in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged detailed top plan view, with portions broken away, of the region in FIG. 11 partially enclosed by the curved line 12-12; and

FIG. 13 is a view with portions broken away taken generally along the line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Turning now to the drawings, and referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2 indicated generally at 20 is an elongated mobile irrigator which extends over a field shown partially at 22. The longitudinal axis of irrigator 20 is shown by dash-dot line 24 in FIG. 2. In FIGS. 1 and 2, irrigator 20 has been illustrated in greatly simplified form, and without regard to exact proportions, in order to obtain better clarity in the figures.

As contemplated herein, irrigator 20 includes an elongated articulated frame 26 having a plurality of elongated central sections 28, and ends sections 30, 32, disposed in end-to-end alignment.

Forming the front and back sides of each section of frame 26 are elongated longitudinal trusses, or members, 34, 36, respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 2, trusses 34, 36 are disposed generally end-to-end, and in two spaced substantially parallel rows. Extending between the two rows of longitudinal trusses from adjacent their confronting ends, and at each of the two ends of the frame, are a plurality of transverse trusses, or members, 38. Trusses 38, which are substantially parallel to one another and at right angles to trusses 34, 36, define opposite ends of the various sections in the frame. It will be noted that intermediate the opposite ends of the frame, each pair of adjacent frame sections shares a common transverse truss.

Longitudinal trusses, 34, 36 include elongated central portions 340, 36a, respectively. Extending axially from the right and left ends of central portions 340, 36a, respectively, in the figures are end members 34b, 36b and 340, 360, respectively. Similar construction characterizes the transverse trusses, with such including central portions 380. Extending axially from upper and lower ends thereof in FIG. 2 are end members 38b, 380, respectively. Details of the constructions of the various trusses are omitted herein since such forms no part of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the trusses may be constructed any one of a number of different ways. One type of truss which may be used satisfactorily is described in my U.S. Pat. No. 3,562,994, issued Sept. 30. 1968 for Truss."

The various trusses in frame 26 are employed to carry a suitable water-distribution system including conventional sprinkler devices, such as those indicated at 40 in FIG. I, mounted adjacent the tops of the longitudinal trusses.

Interconnecting adjacent sets of ends of the longitudinal and transverse trusses according to the invention are a plurality of articulation means. These articulation means are indicated in block form in FIG. 1, and in a schematic form in FIG. 2. More specifically, articulation means 42, 44 are provided adjacent the bottom and top ends, respectively, each of transverse truss 38 which is intermediate the opposite ends of frame 26. Articulation means 46 are provided adjacent the lower left and the upper right comers of the frame as viewed in FIG. 2; and articulation means 48 are provided adjacent the upper left and lower right corners of the frame as viewed in FIG. 2. Referring particularly to FIG. 2, in irrigator 20, two different types of parts fonn the various articulation means. One part comprises an elongated deformable unit as contemplated herein (whose construction will be more fully described), represented by an elongated rectangle 50. The other part, represented by circle partially enclosed by a curved line, and designated 52, comprises a connection which accommodates limited relative universal movement.

Each articulation means 42 comprises a connection 52 interconnecting a pair of truss end members 34b, 34c, and a deformable unit 50 interconnecting the same end member 34c with a truss end member 380. Similarly, each articulation means 44 comprises a connection 52 interconnecting a pair of truss end members 361), 36c, and a deformable unit 50 interconnecting the same end member 36b with a truss end member 38b. Each articulation means 46 includes a single deformable member 50 extending axially from an end member of a longitudinal truss, and interconnecting this end member with an end member of a transverse truss. Each articulation means 48 includes a single deformable unit 50 extending axially from an end member of a transverse truss, and interconnecting this end member and an end member of a longitudinal truss.

Further describing irrigator 20, the various trusses in frame 26 are supported above the ground, and for movement thereover, through upright legs 54 and wheels 56 which are carried adjacent the lower ends of the legs. Irrigator 20 is propelled over the ground, generally in the direction of arrow 58 (see FIG. 2) which is substantially normal to axis 24, by a powerdrive unit, such as that shown generally at 60 in FIG. 1. Unit 60 is mounted adjacent the base of one of legs 54, and when operated propels the irrigator at a speed of about I mile per hour.

In irrigator 20, the longitudinal trusses are each about 120 feet long, and the transverse trusses are each about 90 feet long. Lets 54 support the trusses about feet above the ground. The overall length of the irrigator is about one-quarter mile.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, these show details of the construction and mounting of an articulation means 42. In the various trusses in irrigator 20, the end mem bers (such as end members 34b, 34c, 38c partially shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) are similar to one another, and take the form of elongated hollow tubes having rectangular cross-sectional outlines. The right end of member 34c in these figures is joined, as by welding, to the upper end of a leg 54. Each leg 54 takes the form of an elongated hollow tube having a rectangular cross-sectional outline and dimensions similar to those of the truss end members. As can be seen in FIG. 4 with respect to member 34c and leg 54, the leg is disposed with its longitudinal axis at substantially a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the end member. A plate 62 is anchored to the top end of the leg. Suitably joined to the left and bottom ends, respectively, of truss members 34b, 380 in FIG. 3 are plates 64, 66, respectively.

As was previously mentioned, deformable unit 50 operatively interconnects truss members 34c, 38c. In frame 26, unit 50 comprises an elongated flat plate 68 disposed generally in an upright plane. The upper end of plate 68 in FIG. 3 is secured as by welding to plate 66, and the lower end of plate 68 is connected to leg 54 through angle brackets 70 and fasteners 72. Plate 68, by deforming, permits a limited amount of relative movement between trusses 34, 38. More specifically, by twisting along its longitudinal axis (which substantially parallels the longitudinal axis of member 38c), plate 68 enables up and down swinging of truss 34 relative to truss 38 about an axis substantially paralleling the axis of truss 38. By flexing or bending slightly in the plane of FIG. 3, plate 68 accommodates limited relative hinging movement between trusses 34, 38 about an axis generally normal to this plane. Bending of plate 68 in an upright plane is inhibited since the plate is disposed with its long cross-sectional dimension in such a plane, and its short cross-sectional dimension in a generally horizontal plane.

Plate 68 is referred to herein also as a swing-enabling means (because of the action produceable by its twisting along its axis), and as a hinge means (because of the action produceable by its bending).

Accommodating limited relative universal movement between the two trusses 34 partially shown in FIG. 3 is a connection 52. In frame 26, this connection comprises a plate 74, and a nut and bolt assembly 76. Plate 74 is disposed in a generally upright plane, and is anchored, as by welding, along its right side to plate 64. Plate 74 has a bore 78 adjacent its left end in FIGS. 3 and 4. Assembly 76 loosely attaches plate 74 to a pair of spaced-apart angle brackets which are joined to the right side of leg 54in the figures. More specifically, shank 76a of the bolt in assembly 76 extends through suitable accommodating bores in confronting flanges 80a of brackets 80, and through previously mentioned bore 78 in plate 74. The outside diameter of shank 76a is somewhat less than the inside diameter of bore 78. In addition, the thickness of plate 74 is somewhat less than the spacing between flanges 80a.

The other articulation means 42, and articulation means 44, in frame 26 are substantially the same in construction as the means 42 just described in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thus, these other articulation means include plates corresponding to plates 68, 74, and nut and bolt assemblies corresponding to assembly 76, mounted in similar manner between confronting end members of longitudinal and transverse trusses.

Deformable unit 50 in each articulation means 46 comprises a plate 82 (see FIG. 2) which is substantially the same in construction as plate 68. The end of a plate 82 which joins with an end member of a longitudinal truss is fastened in place in substantially the same manner as the upper end of plate 68 in FIG. 3. The opposite end of a plate 82 is fastened adjacent an end member of a transverse truss in substantially the same manner as the lower end of plate 68 in FIG. 3. Plates 82 perform in much the same manner as plate 68. Thus, by twisting along its longitudinal axis, a plate 82 accommodates up and down swinging of a transverse truss relative to a longitudinal truss about an axis substantially paralleling the longitudinal axis of the latter. By bending slightly in the plane of FIG. 2, a plate 82 permits relative limited hinging movement between the longitudinal and transverse trusses that it interconnects.

Articulation means 48 are similar to articulation means 46, and include elongated plates 84 which are substantially the same in construction as plates 68, 82. Plates 84 also perform in substantially the same way as plates 68, 82.

Completing a description of irrigator 20, and referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, extending diagonally across the spaces bounded by each pair of opposing longitudinal and transverse trusses in frame 26 are elongated tensors 86. Each tensor comprises an elongated cable 88, with opposite ends thereof anchored adjacent the end members of confronting longitudinal and transverse trusses through fasteners such as those shown at 90.

Explaining now how the apparatus described so far herein performs, the various articulation means, together with cooperating tensors 86, tend to maintain the longitudinal and transverse trusses forming each section of frame 26 substantially at right angles to one another (as viewed from above), and in a substantially common plane. The common plane mentioned for a section, generally speaking, is that plane which substantially parallels the plane of the ground underlying the section. The articulation means permit the ends of the trusses in the different sections to rise and fall a certain limited amount relative to the respective common planes of the sections. Such action accommodates unevenness in the underlying ground. Plates 68, 82, 84, by twisting along their respective longitudinal axes as the irrigator travels over the ground, enables the rising and falling just mentioned to occur to inhibit overstressing and damage to parts in the frame. These same plates, by bending slightly under certain conditions, accommodate slight departures from the rightangle dispositions between adjacent longitudinal and transverse trusses. These slight departures are necessary to avoid overstressing in parts with a corner of a frame section rising or falling. Such departures, however, are held to a minimum. The connections described which permit limited relative universal movement between trusses enable adjacent longitudinal trusses in the frame to adjust properly relative to one another as ends of these trusses rise and fall.

The tensors cooperate with the articulation means in minimizing relative movement between longitudinal and transverse trusses of a frame section in the substantially common plane characterizing that section.

With such construction, as the irrigator moves over the ground, the various frame sections can readily undulate to take care of unevenness in the ground without overstressing of frame parts. The frame, however, resists bowing along its length in a generally horizontal plane. In other words, the articulation means provided herein assures good horizontal longitudinal rigidity in the multisection frame of the irrigator. As a result, a frame can be constructed to have substantial length, such as the length mentioned earlier, whereby a relatively wide field can be covered in a single pass of the irrigator over the field.

Turning now to FIG. 5, this illustrates in simplified schematic plan form, the frame 92 of an irrigator 94 employing a modified form of articulation arrangement as contemplated by the invention. irrigator 94 is similar in many respects to irrigator 20. Because of this, and to simplify the description herein, parts in irrigator 94 which correspond to parts in irrigator 20 are designated by the same respective reference numbers. Also, symbols are used in FIG. 5 which are substantially the same as those used in FIG. 2 to represent particular parts of the different articulation means. Accordingly, such symbols in FIG. 5 are indicated by the same respective reference numbers used in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, these illustrate in detail the construction of an articulation means 42 in frame 92. In this embodiment of the invention, each deformable unit 50 comprises upper and lower pairs of elongated angle irons 96, 98, respectively. The angle irons are disposed as shown, with their confronting flanges occupying spaced substantially parallel upright planes, and with their other flanges extending outwardly and away from one another. Angle irons 96, 98 are secured rigidly by fasteners 100 to opposite sides of the upper and lower ends, respectively, of a plurality of spacer bars, such as those shown at 102, distributed along the lengths of the angle irons. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the vertical cross-sectional dimension of unit 50 is greater than the horizontal cross-sectional dimension thereof.

Considering the unit 50 which extends between truss end members 34b, 340 in FIGS. 6 and 7, the right end of this unit extends into the hollow interior of the left end of member 34b in the figures. The vertical spacing of the angle irons in unit 50 is such that the outwardly extending flanges of irons 96, and those of irons 98, fit against the top and bottom inside faces, respectively, of member 34b. The right end of unit 50 is anchored to member 34b by means of fasteners 104. At the left end of unit 50 in FIGS. 6 and 7, angle irons 96, 98 are anchored through fasteners 106 to opposite sides of a plate 108 which is somewhat similar in construction to previously described plate 74. Adjacent its left end in these figures, plate 108 includes a bore 110 (see FIG. 6).

Considering the mounting provided for the unit 50 which extends at a right angle to truss member 34c, and between this member and the member 38c of a transverse truss 38 (see FIG. 5), mounted on the top side of member 34c in FIG. 6 is a short section 1 12 of a hollow rectangular tube. Tube 112 has a cross-sectional outline which is substantially the same in size and shape as the outlines of the end members of the various trusses. The end of the deformable unit just mentioned which is illustrated in FIG. 6 extends into tube 112, with the outwardly extending flanges of its upper and lower angle irons anchored to this tube through fasteners 114. This mounting is similar to that previously described for the right end of the other unit 50 shown in FIG. 6 and 7. Fasteners I14 correspond to fasteners 104. The end of unit 50 which connects with truss member 38c extends into the interior of the truss member and is anchored thereto through fasteners (not shown), which are substantially the same as fasteners 104, 114.

Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, connection 52 is similar in construction to the connection bearing the same reference number illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thus, anchored as by welding to the right end of truss member 34c in these figures is a plate 116. Suitably secured to the right side of this plate are angle brackets I I8 corresponding to previously described brackets 80. The confronting flanges of brackets 118 are spacedapart a distance which is greater than the thickness of plate 108. Plate 108 is connected loosely to these brackets through a nut and bolt assembly 120 corresponding to nut and bolt assembly 76. As can been seen in FIG. 6, shank 1200 of the bolt in assembly 120 has an outside diameter which is somewhat smaller than the inside diameter of bore 110.

The other articulation means 42 in frame 92 are substantially the same in construction as the one just described. In addition, and as will be apparent from viewing the schematic showing in FIG. 5, articulation means 44 are also substantially the same in construction as articulation means 42.

Articulation means 46 each includes a deformable unit 50 and a connection 52 constructed and intercon nected in substantially the same ways as the corresponding parts shown in FIG. 7. Articulation means 48 each includes a deformable unit 50 connected at a right angle to an end member of a longitudinal truss through a tube such as tube I12, and connected in axial alignment with an end member of a transverse truss.

Completing a description of frame 92, and referring to FIG. 5, tensors 86, which are substantially the same in construction as those previously described, extend diagonally across the various sections of the frame. The opposite ends of these tensors are anchored in place in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Generally speaking, the articulation means provided in frame 92 accommodate relative movement between different parts in the frame similar to those permitted by the articulation means in previously described frame 26. Each connection 52 in frame 92 performs in much the same manner as the corresponding connections in frame 26. Similarly, each deformable unit 50 in frame 92 functions in much the same manner as the corresponding units 50 in frame 26. A deformable unit such as that illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 ofiers advantages in certain instances over the type of deformable unit shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, especially where weight is an important consideration.

Referring now to FIG. 9 and 10, these illustrate still another modification of a deformable unit as contemplated herein. In this case, the unit takes the form of an elongated solid l-beam 122. Where a beam 122 is to extend between the end members of a pair of adjacent longitudinal trusses, one end of the beam, such as the left end thereof in FIG. 9, is formed as shown in this figure. With such the case, a bore 124 is provided in the central web of the beam. Bore 124 is for receiving the shank of a bolt such a shanks 76a, 1200. Where a beam is to be anchored rigidly at its opposite ends, as for example where it interconnects a longitudinal and transverse truss, both ends of the beam are formed in the manner shown for the right end of beam I22 in FIG. 9.

In many instances, a deformable unit such as beam 122 offers advantages over the types of deformable units described previously. It is thus considered to be a preferred form of a deformable unit, and accordingly is shown herein in drawing figures isolating it from other structure. Generally speaking, and considering deformable units of the different types described herein having similar dimensions, a beam such as beam 122 is somewhat stronger than the other two types of units. In addition, it is relatively lightweight.

Turning now to FIG. 11, this shows in simplified schematic plan form the frame 126 of an irrigator I28 employing still another modified arrangement of articulation means constructed according to the invention. As in the case of FIG. 5 above, parts in frame 126 which correspond to parts in previously described frames 26, 92 are given the same reference numbers as in FIGS. 2 and 5. As can be seen, articulation means 42, 44 each includes a connection 52 accommodating limited universal movement between parts. In addition, each of these two types of articulation means includes a connection 130, represented by a circle containing crossed lines, which accommodates hinging of parts relative to one another about substantially upright axes (normal to the plane of FIG. 11). Each articulation means 42 further includes a connection I32 (represented by a single straight line extending into a cup-shaped line) which enables swinging of one part relative to another part about an axis in the plane of FIG. 11. Connections I30, I32 constitute hinge means and swing-enabling means, respectively, herein.

Articulation means 46 are similar to one another and include connections I30, 132. ARticuIation means 48 are similar to one another and include connections I30.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and I3, and considering the construction of an articulation means 42, indicated generally at I34 is a box-shaped mounting having an open side 1344 facing to the left in the figures. Mounting 134 preferably is formed, as by casting, to have the configuration illustrated out of a suitable metal, such as steel or aluminum. Extending into the top and bottom sides of the mounting, as such is viewed in FIG. I2, are a pair of axially aligned bores I36, 138, respectively. Bores 136, 138 have substantially the same inside diameters. Extending into the top and bottom sides of the mounting as such viewed in FIGS. 13 are a pair of axially aligned bores I40, I42, respectively. Bore 140 has a slightly larger inside diameter than does bore 142. Formed adjacent bores I40, 142 on the inside faces of the mounting are bosses I44, 146, respectively.

On its right side in FIGS. 12 and I3, the mounting includes an inwardly extending bulge 148. Extending into this bulge from the outside of the mounting are three axially aligned bores I50, I52, I54. Bore has a larger diameter than bore 152, and where these two join there is an outwardly facing shoulder 158. Similarly, bore 152 is larger in diameter than bore 154,

and where these two join there is an outwardly facing shoulder 160.

Mounting 134 is suitably anchored to the top of a plate 162, which, in turn, is suitably secured to the top of a leg 54. Plate 162 includes a bore 164 which is larger in diameter than, and aligned axially with, bore 142.

Considering the construction of connection 52, indicated at 166 is an elongated cylindrical pin having a portion 166a of one outside diameter joining integrally with a portion 166!) of a smaller outside diameter. Where sections 166a, l66b join, there is a shoulder 1660. The right end of pin 166 in FIGS. 12 and 13 is anchored as by welding, to a plate 168 which is suitably secured to the left end of truss end member 34b. Mounted on pin portion 166b is a conventional spherical bearing assembly 170. This assembly is held in place on the pin by means of a nut 172 screwed onto the left end of pin section 1661; and capturing the bearing assembly between itself and shoulder 166a. The outer race of assembly 170 fits snugly within bore 152 and against shoulder 160. The bearing assembly is held in place on mounting 134 by means of retaining ring 174 which is fastened against shoulder 158 by means of bolts 176.

Connection 130 includes a pair of vertically spaced bearing supports 178 anchored to a plate 180 which is secured to the right end of truss end member 34c. These bearing supports include axially aligned bores 182, which receive conventional roller bearing assemblies 184. The upper roller bearing assembly in FIG. 13 is captured between boss 144 and a retaining ring 186. The lower roller bearing assembly in the figure is captured between boss 146 and a retaining ring 188.

Connection 130 further includes a hinge pin 190. As can be seen clearly in FIG. 13, the upper portion of pin 190 has a slightly larger diameter than the lower portion of the pin. In particular, the outside diameter of the upper portion of the pin is sized to fit tightly within bore 140. The outside diameter of the lower portion of the pin is sized to fit tightly within bore 142. Pin 190 is press-fitted into place in these bores. The bottom of the pin extends freely through bore 164 in plate 162.

Connection 132 includes an elongated swivel pin 192. This pin includes a large diameter portion 192a which joins with a smaller diameter portion 1921;. Where these two portions join, a shoulder 1920 is formed (see FIG. 12).

Pin 192 extends through bores 136, 138 in mounting 134, and is supported for rotation in these bores by means of conventional roller bearing assemblies 194, 196, respectively. Rearing assembly 194 is supported in bore 136 between a pair of retaining rings 198. Assembly 196 is supported in bore 138 between a pair of retaining rings 200. Shoulder [92c seats against the inner race of assembly 196 and inhibits downward axial movement of pin 192 in FIG. 12. Axial movement of the pin in the opposite direction is restrained by means of a suitable retaining ring (not shown), fastened to the exposed lower end of the pin in FIG. 12.

The upper end of pin 192 is anchored as by welding to a plate 202 which is suitably secured to the bottom end of transverse truss end member 38:- in FIG. 12.

With such construction, it will be apparent that connection 52 accommodates limited relative universal movement between the two longitudinal trusses 34 whose end members are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Connection accommodates relative hinging of these two longitudinal trusses about a substantially upright axis. Connection 132 accommodates swiveiing or swinging of the truss whose end member 34c is shown in FIG. 12 relative to transverse truss 38 about the longitudinal axis of pin 192.

Connection 52 constructed as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 thus performs in a very similar manner to the other types of connections 52 described earlier herein. Connections 130, 132, generally speaking, together accommodate relative motions between the parts which are taken care of by a deformable unit as described earlier.

Considering briefly articulation means 44 shown in FIG. 12, indicated generally at 204 is a mounting which corresponds to mounting 134. Mounting 204 has an open side 204a facing to the right in FIG. 12A connection 52 similar to that just described interconnects truss end member 36c and mounting 204. A connection 130, similar to the connection having the corresponding reference number just described in detail interconnects truss end member 36b and mounting 204. The upper end member 38b of the transverse truss whose end members are shown in FIG. 12 is anchored rigidly to the bottom side of mounting 204 in the figure through a plate 206.

The other articulation means 42, 44 in frame 126 are substantially the same, respectively, as those just described herein. Connections 130, 132 which make up articulation means 46 at the iower left and upper right comers of frame 126 in FIG. 11 are substantially the same in construction as the connections having the corresponding numbers described in detail in FIGS. 12 and 13. Similarly, the connections 130 which make up articulation means 48 have substantially the same constructions as the connections 130 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Diagonal tensors 86 constructed and mounted in substantially the same way as described earlier extend across the various sections of frame 126.

The articulation means just described in frame 126 enables the various trusses in the frame to adjust relative to one another in substantially the same way as previously described to take care of unevenness in the ground as the irrigator travels. Bowing of the frame along its longitudinal axis, and in a generally horizontal plane, is inhibited.

Thus, the invention provides a novel articulated frame for a mobile ground traveling instrumentality, such as an irrigator. It will be apparent that a frame may be constructed according to the invention which has a substantial length, yet which is capable of resisting horizontal longitudinal bowing as it travels over an irregular field in a direction normal to its longitudinal axis. As a consequence, and in the case of irrigating a field, a relatively large field can be covered in a single pass of the irrigator over the field.

The various types of connections contemplated for the articulation means are relatively simple in construction, and present few maintenance problems. They can readily be assembled, and if desired disassembled, quickly.

While several modifications of the invention have been described herein, it is appreciated that other variations and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

all,

[t is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. An articulated frame for a mobile ground-traveling instrumentality comprising a pair of elongated laterally spaced longitudinal members,

a pair of elongated laterally spaced transverse members each extending between a different set of ends of said longitudinal members, with each end of a transverse member adjacent an end of a longitudinal member, and

interconnecting means operatively interconnecting adjacent ends of said members, with such members occupying a substantially common plane and disposed at certain angles relative to one another when viewed along a line substantially normal to said plane,

said interconnecting means being constructed to accommodate relative movement between the members in planes disposed at angles to said substantially common plane, and to resist relative movement between the members in such plane, and including hinge means operatively interposed between one end of each longitudinal member and the adjacent end of a transverse member, each hinge means accommodating limited relative swinging of the longitudinal and transverse members associated therewith in the substantially common plane containing such members.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein said hinge means comprises a pivot connection.

3. An articulated frame for a mobile ground-traveling instrumentality comprising a pair of elongated laterally spaced longitudinal members,

a pair of elongated laterally spaced transverse members each extending between a different set of ends of said longitudinal members, with each end of a transverse member adjacent an end of a longitudinal member, and

interconnecting means operatively interconnecting adjacent ends of said members, with such members occupying a substantially common plane and disposed at certain angles relative to one another when viewed along a line substantially normal to said plane,

said interconnecting means being constructed to accommodate relative movement between the members in planes disposed at angles to said substantially common plane, and to resist relative movement between the members in such plane, and including swing-enabling means operatively interposed between one end of at least one of said longitudinal members and the adjacent end of one of said transverse members accommodating swinging of one of these two members relative to the other member about an axis substantially paralleling the longitudinal axis of said other member, and hinge means operatively interposed between one end of each longitudinal member and the adjacent end of a transverse member, each hinge means accommodating limited relative swinging of the longitudinal and transverse members associated therewith in the substantially common plane containing such 4. i hg fr a r iie of claim 3, wherein said interconnecting means further comprises universal joint means operatively interposed between the other end of said one longitudinal member and the adjacent end of the other transverse member accommodating limited relative universal movement between such members.

5. The frame of claim 3, wherein said swing-enabling means and said hinge means together take the form of an elongated deformable unit.

6. The frame of claim 5, wherein said deformable unit is constructed to accommodate bending thereof in a plane generally paralleling said substantially common plane, and to accommodate twisting thereof about its longitudinal axis.

7. The frame of claim 6, wherein said deformable unit, when viewed along its longitudinal axis, has a longer maximum dimension measured along a line generally normal to said substantially common plane than its maximum dimension measured along a line generally paralleling such plane.

i i i t 

1. An articulated frame for a mobile ground-traveling instrumentality comprising a pair of elongated laterally spaced longitudinal members, a pair of elongated laterally spaced transverse members each extending between a different set of ends of said longitudinal members, with each end of a transverse member adjacent an end of a longitudinal member, and interconnecting means operatively interconnecting adjacent ends of said members, with such members occupying a substantially common plane and disposed at certain angles relative to one another when viewed along a line Substantially normal to said plane, said interconnecting means being constructed to accommodate relative movement between the members in planes disposed at angles to said substantially common plane, and to resist relative movement between the members in such plane, and including hinge means operatively interposed between one end of each longitudinal member and the adjacent end of a transverse member, each hinge means accommodating limited relative swinging of the longitudinal and transverse members associated therewith in the substantially common plane containing such members.
 2. The frame of claim 1, wherein said hinge means comprises a pivot connection.
 3. An articulated frame for a mobile ground-traveling instrumentality comprising a pair of elongated laterally spaced longitudinal members, a pair of elongated laterally spaced transverse members each extending between a different set of ends of said longitudinal members, with each end of a transverse member adjacent an end of a longitudinal member, and interconnecting means operatively interconnecting adjacent ends of said members, with such members occupying a substantially common plane and disposed at certain angles relative to one another when viewed along a line substantially normal to said plane, said interconnecting means being constructed to accommodate relative movement between the members in planes disposed at angles to said substantially common plane, and to resist relative movement between the members in such plane, and including swing-enabling means operatively interposed between one end of at least one of said longitudinal members and the adjacent end of one of said transverse members accommodating swinging of one of these two members relative to the other member about an axis substantially paralleling the longitudinal axis of said other member, and hinge means operatively interposed between one end of each longitudinal member and the adjacent end of a transverse member, each hinge means accommodating limited relative swinging of the longitudinal and transverse members associated therewith in the substantially common plane containing such members.
 4. The frame of claim 3, wherein said interconnecting means further comprises universal joint means operatively interposed between the other end of said one longitudinal member and the adjacent end of the other transverse member accommodating limited relative universal movement between such members.
 5. The frame of claim 3, wherein said swing-enabling means and said hinge means together take the form of an elongated deformable unit.
 6. The frame of claim 5, wherein said deformable unit is constructed to accommodate bending thereof in a plane generally paralleling said substantially common plane, and to accommodate twisting thereof about its longitudinal axis.
 7. The frame of claim 6, wherein said deformable unit, when viewed along its longitudinal axis, has a longer maximum dimension measured along a line generally normal to said substantially common plane than its maximum dimension measured along a line generally paralleling such plane. 